In Part 1 of this two-part series on toxic workplaces, Catie Campbell and Whitney Siders unpack how toxic environments—not just toxic people—can silently erode physical health, mental clarity, and career fulfillment. From subtle microtoxicity and forced conformity to the “always on” pressure of modern work culture, this candid episode explores how even high-performing companies can foster dysfunction. The hosts share personal stories, coaching insights, and signs you might be caught in something unhealthy—plus what leaders can do to stop the cycle.

🎯 Who This Is For

• Employees questioning their work environment or personal health
• HR and organizational leaders concerned about burnout
• Managers noticing rising attrition or low morale
• Coaches, consultants, and culture strategists
• Anyone feeling stuck, silenced, or sick at work

📌 Topics We Cover

• How toxic environments manifest physically (insomnia, sickness, anxiety)
• The difference between “I love the work” and “I’m killing myself doing it”
• When systems—not individuals—drive dysfunction
• Warning signs: always-on culture, over-surveillance, loss of agency
• Root causes vs. symptoms in organizational culture
• How toxic practices get passed down as norms
• The power of fresh eyes and why new employees ask the best questions
• Simple questions leaders can ask to identify cultural drift
• When (and how) to reset your team’s operating rhythm

🔗 Resources & Links

• MIT Sloan Study: Toxic Culture vs. Pay
• Mental Health America – Workplace Toolkit

💬 Takeaway Quotes

“If your job is making you sick, it’s not just a you problem—it’s a system problem.” – Whitney Siders

“We betray ourselves to belong. That’s the first sign something’s off.” – Catie Campbell

“When someone new joins your team and says ‘wait, you do what?’—listen to them.” – Whitney Siders

“Toxic doesn’t always mean evil. Sometimes it just means inherited, outdated, or unchecked.” – Catie Campbell

“If everyone’s signaling when they take a bathroom break, we have a trust problem.” – Whitney Siders